My IBD Journey

After dramatically losing 3 stone in weight when I was 14, and 8 months of battling with doctors convincing them that I didnt have an eating disorder, I was finally diagnosed with Crohns disease aged 15.
 I was started on a liquid diet and steroids to get my weight up as I was only 5 stone

 

Moon Face ----------------------->

 School was very hard for me, I lost a lot of friends as they didnt understand why I was never there, but I still made it to my prom even though my dress was miles to big

 18 months after my diganosis and all treatment started to fail. I had developed a fistula and the disease was spreading. I had no option but to have part of my bowel removed.

Surgery took 6 hours and I had part of my small and large bowel removed as well as large parts of the bowel widened to prevent further obstructions. Despite 8 weeks painful recovery surgery gave me my life back.

 With my disease under control I was able to start working  towards my dream of becoming an IBD nurse for children. I was accepted at kings college London in 2012 to begin my nursing training.

In 2012 I did something I never ever thought I could do with Crohn's Disease. I jumped 13000ft out of a plane for charity. It was an amazing experience an one I never thought I'd be able to do before when I was so sick.

 Living with Crohn's Disease is a life long battle and I recently came out of remission after 6 years. It is never easy dealing with a chronic illness but I really believe it has given me strength to keep fighting and to not let it beat me.

 I have had a few admissions this year and discovered that the Crohn's has spread to my spine, I am currently awaiting for the treatment infliximab which will hopefully help with all of the inflammation. Whatever happens I will always keep smiling.